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Tag: oborevwori

  • BREAKING: Delta gov, Oborevwori wins as tribunal strikes out Omo-Agege petition

    BREAKING: Delta gov, Oborevwori wins as tribunal strikes out Omo-Agege petition

    …Tribunal declares evidence is based on hearsay

    …says addendum request is unknown to law

    …you can’t bring it through the backdoor

    The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Asaba has declared Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori the authentic winner of March 18 guber polls in Delta state.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports all the kernels of the verdict pointed to the fact that evidence provided by the major opposition party, APC were mere hearsay without concrete foundation.

    READ DETAILS BELOW:

    RESOLUTION OF ISSUES:

    Issues for determination adopted from arguments. The petitioners arguments dealt with overvoting as a sub specie of corrupt practices and not corrupt practices.

    Do not agree that the petition is incompetent on ground 1. It is premature to object when case has not been argued. In sum, no merit is found in the 2nd respondents objections and so dismissed.

    Another application by 3rd respondents to strike out some grounds of the petition. Standard of proof for criminal allegations must be beyond reasonable doubt. It is contradiction to ask for election to be voided and at the same time asked to be declared winner. Recount of votes request struck out.

    On the 3rd respondents objection.

    Grounds of objection dismissed.

    Disharmony of scores and ballot papers form the kernel of the averments of the petitioner. Application dismissed.

    The petition:

    Witnesses’ presentations reviewed

    Written addresses brought up. Inundated with fresh applications after written addresses.

    The petitioner’s application sought to bring in fresh evidence through the back door. After considerations, addendum request is unknown to law. It cannot be granted and the request is denied, having been brought so very late and could prejudice the respondents. Application dismissed.

    2nd respondents challenge to the final written address of the applicant for non compliance with guidelines and practice directions. The structure of the petitioner’s address violates the practice direction argues the 2nd respondents.

    “Tribunal has no tools to measure compliance. In the absence of clear evidence, the application is dismissed.

    Merits of the case:

    On DOP’s evidence as an appointee of the respondent, the petitioner’s failure to apply for the removal of witness from the court denies the petitioner the right to call him a dented witness. The witness never admitted presence in the courtroom when PW1 gave evidence. He is not a personal staff of the governor. He is not disqualified and his evidence is not impeached.

    On over voting, petitioner tendered many documents. To prove over voting, BVAS report must be produced. Leave was granted petitioner to inspect BVAS but no BVAS report is provided. Also no direct evidence was called. Scrutiny of evidence was done. BVAS was the prescribed mode for accreditation of voters. The petitioner pleaded BVAS but failed to even provide an extract from it. The petitioner even pleaded that BVAS was the mandatory tool for accreditation. They agreed to this and alluded to the supremacy and Majesty of technology for accreditation. Tribunal wonders why they have failed to produce BVAS.

    Tribunal agrees with respondents argument. By supreme Court judgement, BVAS is mandatory to prove over voting.

    BVAS not produced but they tried to use other documents. Petitioner cannot circumvent the BVAS.

    Report of examination of back end server cannot replace the BVAS. This report is held to be irrelevant.

    Flowing from above, the report is inadmissible to prove over voting.

    Voters registered was not pleaded for a specific reason.

    No credible primea facie case has been made to warrant a call on the respondents to defend.

    Alleged non compliance because of recordings in all polling units. All exhibits in this direction make no sense. Scrutiny of documents by PW1 again amount to hearsay. No comments on accuracy of document was made by applicant. Evidence of PW1 worthless. He couldn’t even mention the name of one presiding officer in any.

    Case of petitioner based essentially on hearsay evidence that is legally inadmissible.

    They have led no credible and indubitable evidence.

    Accordingly, there was even no need for the respondents to lead any evidence to disprove a collapsed case.

    The case is devoid of merit and affirm the declaration of INEC and return the respondents as duly elected.

  • Oborevwori hails Bishop David Oyedepo at 69

    Oborevwori hails Bishop David Oyedepo at 69

     

    Delta State Governor, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has congratulated his spiritual father, founder and Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church, Dr David Oyedepo as he clocks 69 years.

    Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, acknowledged Bishop Oyedepo’s immense contribution to nation-building through prayers and grooming of God-fearing Christian faithful in the Country and across the world.

    The Governor described Bishop Oyedepo as a role model whose leadership credentials were worth studying.

    Governor Oborevwori, said “As our father in faith, you have continued to render indelible service to humanity by making yourself available to mentor humanity at large.

    “It is on record that you distinguished yourself as an astute preacher, indefatigable administrator and leader of immense repute and we remain very proud of your sterling accomplishments in the leadership of the church.

    “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I congratulate our father in the Lord, Bishop David Oyedepo on his 69th birth anniversary.

    “I join your family and entire leadership and worshippers at Living Faith Church (Aka Winners Chapel), friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for your life which has been marked by robustly sterling accomplishments and abounding fulfillment.

    “As you celebrate this anniversary, it is my prayer that Almighty God continue to bless you with good health and more years of happiness and contributions to nation-building and God’s vineyard”.

  • Projects: Oborevwori tasks politicians on continuity in governance

    Projects: Oborevwori tasks politicians on continuity in governance

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has advised political class especially governors to sustain developmental projects inherited from their predecessors for the development of their states.

    Oborevewori made the call while inaugurating multi-billion naira projects at the Dennis Osadebe University, Anwai-Asaba to mark his 100 days in office.

    The projects were completed by Oborevewori but initiated by the immediate past Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa.

    He also inaugurated a 16km road with a network covering 29 streets and 31.45 km line drains around Madonna College road spanning across Asaba and Okpanam in Oshimili South and North Local Government Area in the state capital territory.

    Oborevwori said government is a continuum, adding that it was the duty of successive administrations to continue and complete projects initiated by their predecessors for the collective good of the people.

    He commended his predecessors in the state for continuing with projects they met while also initiating and executing new projects.

    He particularly lauded former governor Okowa for initiating the projects.

    “My joy knows no bounds as we commission this 500-seater Auditorium, two 250-seater Auditorium, building and furnishing of the Faculty of Agriculture, administrative building, main gate building, and internal roads in this citadel of learning.

    “There are two reasons for my happiness today, first is that I promised the people in my inaugural speech that I will ensure that all ongoing projects embarked upon by the previous administration would be completed alongside new initiatives.

    “Government is a continuum and it is the duty of successive administrations to put the resources of the state to good use by ensuring that projects are completed in a timely and prudent manner,” he said.

    According to him, one of the reasons for abandoned projects in our country is because of the failure or refusal of political leaders to continue with projects started by their predecessors.

    “This is usually informed by the fear that their predecessors will get the credit. However, this should not be the case if the focus of the leader is on the collective good of all.

    “I am proud to say that in Delta, we have had a history of successive governors building on the legacies of their predecessors.

    ” It is my honour and privilege to continue with that noble tradition as I give credit to the immediate past governor of the state, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for his vision and foresight in initiating these projects.”

    On the importance of education, Oborevwori assured that his administration would continue to give moral and institutional support for the development of the three new universities.

    “The second reason for my joy is that the completion of these projects underscores our commitment to the educational advancement of our people.

    “Education and knowledge are two cornerstones of progress in any modern society.

    ” The emplacement of skilled and professional competencies for all the citizens and residents of the state is one of the priorities of this administration.

    “It is also gratifying to note that enrollment into the university has continued to grow. This is undeniable proof that the decision to establish this university and two others in Ozoro and Agbor is justified.

    “Our people are eager for quality education and we are glad that we have provided more opportunities for them to actualize their dreams,” he said.

    He tasked the university authority to prioritise curriculum development and innovation to make graduates meet up with challenging technological

    “I implore the Governing Council and the Board of the university to prioritise curriculum development and innovation.

    “In a time of rapid economic and technological change, the challenge is to develop courses and programmes that will enable the graduates to forge the strongest career paths, learn new skills, solve real world business problems.

    In his remarks, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari commended the governor for transforming a bush into a citadel of learning with seven faculties and 40 programmes to cater for the growing population of the state.

    The Vice-Chancellor,  Prof. Benjamin Oghojafor in his address, said the establishment of the three new Universities was born out of the need to grant more access to higher education for the people of Delta.

    He said that the university was already filling the gap by providing excellent skills in various areas of learning, adding that they were in talks with the NUC to increase the school’s admission quota.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze said that the completion of the 16km roads project was a great relief to people of the area who had been plagued by massive flooding and erosion challenges.

    Also, the Council Chairmen in Oshimili South, Dr Kelvin Ezenyili and his Oshimili North counterpart, Mr Innocent Eseweze lauded Gov. Oborevwori for consolidating on the achievements of the past administration in completing ongoing projects across the two LGAs.

  • Oborevwori presents additional N166.5bn supplementary budget to Delta Assembly

    Oborevwori presents additional N166.5bn supplementary budget to Delta Assembly

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has presented an additional 2023 N165.5 billion Supplementary Budget to the State House of Assembly for approval.

    This is contained in a letter read by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor during Tuesday’s plenary in Asaba.

    Oborevwori said that the supplementary budget was made up of N120.2 billion in capital expenditure and N46.3 billion in recurrent expenditure.

    He said that the supplementary budget would assist the government in further achieving the ”MORE agenda”.

    The house had in May passed a N71 billion supplementary budget for the state.

    Also at Tuesday’s plenary, the house received a letter from the governor nominating Dr Austin Obidi and Mr Isaac Akporveta as Chairman and Director General (DG) of the State Contributory Health Commission Board.

    The nominees were asked to submit 35 copies of their curriculum vitae to the office of the Clerk of the State House of Assembly on or before Monday, Sept. 11.

    They were to appear for screening on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

  • Fake news, no court sacked Gov Oborevwori – Delta Govt

    Fake news, no court sacked Gov Oborevwori – Delta Govt

    Delta State Government, Thursday, said the Appeal Court sitting in Abuja did not overturn the election of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as speculated by the governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Ken Pela and his co-travellers.

    Reacting to a rumour making the rounds that the Appeal Court had declared Mr Ken Pela as Governor of the state, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon in Asaba, said the Appeal Court only ordered that the tribunal to hear the case.

    Ahon in the statement said: “We have been inundated by reports from a section of the media that the Appeal Court had declared Mr Ken Pela of the Labour Party as winner of the 2023 Governorship election in Delta State.

    “The report is nothing but fake news as the Appellate Court only ordered the tribunal to hear the case.

    “From the results declared by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), it was obvious that the Labour Party did not win the election therefore couldn’t have won in court.

    “Our people came out in large numbers to elect Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and they are happy with him. We therefore urge Party faithfuls and Deltans to disregard the said reports as it was a concoction from the Labour Party and their followers.

    “We also urge Deltans to remain calm. As at the time of the fake news, Governor Oborevwori was busy inspecting various ongoing projects within Asaba and its environs. He is focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the people of the state and would not be distracted by the rumour mills.

    “Our lawyers are studying the Appeal Court judgment with a view to taking necessary action,” he said.

  • 100 DAYS IN OFFICE: Oborevwori earmarks projects for inauguration

    100 DAYS IN OFFICE: Oborevwori earmarks projects for inauguration

    Governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Thursday, said his administration has lined up series of projects for inauguration to mark his first 100 days in office.

    Governor Oborevwori stated this during inspection of projects at the Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai-Asaba and other parts of the state capital.

    Projects inspected included the Administrative building, Faculty of Agriculture building, lecture theatres, Faculty of Environment, and Vice Chancellor’s lodge.

    Others include; the State High Court Complex, 16km internal roads and drainages around Madonna Road area and the Okpanam – Ibusa Road both in Oshimili South and Oshimili North Local Government Areas of the state.

    He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done at the various projects, adding that he would not inaugurate any project not executed to specification.

    “In line with my M.O.R.E agenda, I summoned all the Permanent Secretaries to list out projects that we know we can complete urgently and this Dennis Osadebay University is one of them.

    “I must tell you that the contractor is doing a very good job and I commend him for that. I know that in the next one week, we will come here for commissioning.

    On the High Court Complex, the Governor said some of the corrections he pointed out earlier have been effected, adding that the project would be ready for inauguration in two weeks time.

    “I am actually satisfied with the work done so far because the corrections we suggested such as the work panel and the positioning of the toilets, have all been corrected.

    “There are also some amendments to the sitting capacity which they are going to do and the contractor has assured us that it will be completed and ready for commissioning in 10 days.

    “Some of these ongoing projects and the new ones initiated will be inaugurated very soon; all within my 100 days in office.

    “I promised Deltans that I am going to do M.O.R.E and I am very sure that they will get more”

    At the 16km adjoining roads around Madonna school road, Governor Oborevwori said he was impressed with the quality of work done, assuring that the project was ready for inauguration.

    “I was here on 23rd of June and looking at the work now, I can say that they have done very well. They have completed the second layer now which is about 16 kilomiters of adjoining roads with drains within this Madonna area.

    “The contractor has done very well because he knows that we want good jobs. I won’t inaugurate any work that is not up to specification.

    “The Ughelli-Asaba dualisation project is another job ongoing that I look forward to completing and I pray that this flood that is coming now does not affect the pace of work there.”

    He said his administration would forward to the State Assembly a supplementary budget of N167 billion to address areas of need.

    The Governor said: “I have already told Deltans that there will be meaningful development and as you can see, we just had our maiden Exco yesterday, where a lot of approvals were granted.

    “We also approved a supplementary budget to be able to carter for some of the areas that we know that are not properly funded and I can tell you that I have a good team and am sure that Deltans will get more from my administration”.

  • How Omo-Agege’s petition against Oborevwori collapsed at Election tribunal

    How Omo-Agege’s petition against Oborevwori collapsed at Election tribunal

    By Pius Mordi

    For a candidate who won only four of 25 local government areas in Delta State, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), it was always going to be a long futile shot to upturn the election’s outcome. Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), clinched 21 out of the 25 Local Government Areas of the state with 360,234 votes leaving Omo-Agege a distant second with 240,229 garnered from four local government Areas.

    Like any other long shot, the former Deputy Senate President’s counsels were initially at a loss where to anchor their suit. First, they sought refuge on technical grounds relating to pre-election issues. Soon it dawned on his legal team that ahead of that approach lies an impregnable brick wall. Section 31 of the Electoral Act 2022 as amended and affirmed by judgement of the Supreme Court says that disputes arising from the information contained in the nomination form of a candidate contesting any election shall be resolved before the election is conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission. In other words, it is a pre-election matter which cannot continue to be heard once the election has been held.

    In an ill-articulated bid to question the integrity of the election result, Omo-Agege’s counsel resorted to the allegation that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in accrediting voters. Expectedly, the allegation could not be proved.

    On Thursday, August 24, 2023 when all the parties adopted their final written addresses before the Delta State Governorship Election Tribunal, it was clear to Omo-Agege’s legal team that they were on a wild goose chase. With the door to utilising technicalities firmly shut, they knew their case had collapsed. At Thursday’s adoption of final written addresses, the legal team of the first respondent, INEC, denounced the petitioner’s allegation that BVAS was not deployed to accredit voters and dubbed the entire submission of the petitioner an abuse of court processes, lacking in merit and that the plaintiff could not prove his case beyond reasonable doubt.

    In a fitting finale to the hearings, Omo-Agege’s team were subdued in their final presentation. Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), Robert Emukperuo (SAN) and Murtala Abdulrasheed (SAN) for the petitioner drew the Tribunal’s attention to pending applications. They are:

    * The petitioner’s Motion on Notice for leave to exceed the 40-page limit by filing an addendum to the petitioner’s Final Written Address; and

    * Governor Oborevwori (second respondent’s) Motion on Notice challenging the competence of the Petitioners’ Final Written Address.

    The Tribunal directed that the pending applications be taken before adoption of Final Written Addresses.

    Professor J. E. O Abugu (SAN) who led the team for the first respondent also subsequently adopted the following processes:

    * Second Respondent’s Final Written Address filed August 11, 2023; and

    * Second Respondent’s Reply on Point of Law filed August 23, 2023 in urging the Tribunal to dismiss the Petition.

    Counsel to Oborevwori and third respondents, Delta State PDP, thereafter adopted their respective counter-affidavits and written addresses in support filed on August 23, 2023. They

    subsequently moved the Motion on Notice challenging the competence of the Petitioners’ Final Written Address filed on August 22, 2023. The Petitioners thereafter adopted their Counter-Affidavit and Written Address in opposition filed on August 22, 2023.

    Rulings on the respective Motions on Notice were reserved to Final Judgment.

    In addition to endorsing the position of Oborevwori’s counsel, E. Ohwovoriole (SAN), Ayo Asala (SAN) and O. M. Atoyebi (SAN) who led the team for the Delta PDP as the third respondent also adopted the following processes:

    * Third Respondent’s Final Written Address filed on August 11, 2023; and

    * Third Respondent’s Reply on Points of Law filed August 23, 2023.

    On the strength of the evidence or lack of it presented to the tribunal on the razor-thin allegation of failure to use the BVAS in accrediting voters, followers of the proceedings are in no doubt that Omo-Agege’s quest is doomed. Having won just four of the 25 local government areas in Delta State and tailed Oborevwori with unassailable votes of over 120,000, even the most optimist and loyalist of the former Deputy Senate President left the venue of the hearings dispirited. Governor Oborevwori’s victory and mandate is on course to legal affirmation.

  • Vwaire Diaso: Oborevwori condoles family, NMA, calls for probe

    Vwaire Diaso: Oborevwori condoles family, NMA, calls for probe

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has sent his heart-felt condolences to the Diaso family and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on the tragic and unfortunate passing of Dr Vwaire Diaso in Lagos.

    Diaso, a medical doctor and native of Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, died at the General Hospital, Lagos Island, when the elevator she used crashed from the 9th floor to the ground floor.

    In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori said that the tragic incident was avoidable if those saddled with the management of the hospital facilities were on top of their duty.

    He urged the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the young and promising Dr Diaso with a view to avoiding future reoccurrence.

    “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta, I commiserate with the family of Kennedy Diaso of Ewu Kingdom, the Urhobo nation, friends and colleagues of the deceased on the tragic death of their promising daughter, Vwaire.

    “This incident is tragic, painful, grievous and a great loss not just to the family but to the entire nation and humanity.

    “While we mourn her unfortunate and avoidable death, the hospital management failed in their duty to maintain facilities at the hospital which caused her untimely death.

    “I therefore call on the Lagos State Government and Police authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident with a view to avoiding future reoccurrence.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues in this difficult time, even as we pray the good Lord Almighty to accept her soul and grant her eternal rest,” Oborevwori said.

  • Oborevwori approves teachers’ recruitment in 22 LGAs in Delta – ALGON

    Oborevwori approves teachers’ recruitment in 22 LGAs in Delta – ALGON

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has approved the recruitment of primary school teachers, clerical officers and watchmen in 22 local government council areas in the state.

    The state Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Mr Victor Ebonka disclosed this on Friday in Asaba.

    Ebonka, who spoke in an interview with  at the end of the state Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) Meeting, said that the governor gave the approval during the meeting, adding that the recruitment would be based on individual LGA’s needs assessment.

    “At today’s JAAC meeting, His Excellency, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori gave approval for 22 LGAs out of the 25 LGAs in the state to immediately employ the services of primary school teachers in their respective council area.

    “This employment will not have a uniform number because each council will be considering those that have retired from their councils. So the number to employ will vary from council to council.

    “We are also employing watchmen, clerical officers and all other support staff for the Local Government Education Authority.

    ” This will go a long way in solving the problem of lack of teachers in our primary schools,” Ebonka said.

    The ALGON boss also debunked insinuations of heavy windfall for the councils, saying the allocation they got for the month of July was not unusual.

    “We heard from the rumour mill that about N1.9 trillion will be disbursed for the month of July. I want to let you know that we just rose from the JAAC meeting.

    “What you heard was just a rumour. There is nothing unusual about the allocation distributed for the month of July. Although it is higher than what we had several years ago,” he said.

    On the N40 billion loan facility for pension payments, Ebonka said they had met all the conditions necessary for the loan.

    He said that they were optimistic of paying the pensioners from August.

    “About the N40 billion facility, all the necessary steps and processes have been completed and even the one percent management fee has been paid.

    “We strongly believe that we will be able to access the money in the next one month.

    “Like we said before, we are going to be paying all of the funds that we will access directly to the pensioners.

    ” The forensic experts that we have engaged are presently auditing the accounts to ensure that the actual accruals are paid to the pensioners,” Ebonka  said.

  • Oborevwori felicitates Asagba of Asaba at 99

    Oborevwori felicitates Asagba of Asaba at 99

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has congratulated the Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien on his 99th birth anniversary.

    The governor’s felicitation is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon,  on Friday in Asaba.

    According to Oborevwori,  Edozien is a distinguished medical scholar and Nigeria’s first Professor of Physiology.

    He said that since his ascension to the throne in 1991 as the 13th Asagba of Asaba, Obi Edozien had continued to provide purposeful leadership for the people in his domain.

    The governor said that under the monarch’s reign, Asaba had since become one of the fastest-growing cities in the country in terms of population and infrastructural development.

    He lauded the traditional ruler for his many contributions to making Asaba comfortable and hospitable for Nigerians, who troop into the Delta state capital to live and do business.

    The governor said that at 99 years, Obi Edozien deserved to be celebrated for attaining such an enviable age.

    He said that the Asagba remained an “iconic scholar per excellence, bridge-builder and oldest living Professor in any discipline”.

    Oborevwori prayed that God would continue to bless the traditional ruler with great wisdom, good health, and strength to continue to lead the people of his kingdom.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I joyfully celebrate with His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Joseph Chike Edozien, CFR, the Asagba of Asaba on the occasion of his 99th birth anniversary.

    “As we look forward to the centenary celebration, we pray that the Almighty God will continue to grant you more wisdom and divine health to continue serving mankind,” Oborevwori said.